Meet members of our UVA community–students, faculty, engineers, facilities staff, and medical professionals–who are making impactful changes toward our ten bold sustainability goals. "Faces of Sustainability" aims to get to know them and inspire you with the stories of these change-makers’ efforts happening right here on Grounds, both large and small! Below meet Jim, Yatra, and Allie.
Meet Jim Galloway!
What is your role at UVA?
In 1976 I was hired as an Assistant Professor, Environmental Sciences. Having retired from the teaching faculty in May 2023, I am now the Sidman P. Poole Research Professor, Emeritus. In essence, I am doing everything I did before except teach, serve on committees and get paid.
What is your hometown?
My hometown is Annapolis MD.
What are some things you are doing to support UVA’s 2030 Sustainability Plan?
In 2014, I helped form the Nitrogen Working Group (NWG), under the Office for Sustainability umbrella to develop strategies to achieve the BOV-mandated goal of a 25% reduction to UVA’s Nitrogen footprint by 2025 (relative to 2010). In 2019, the goal was changed to 30% reduction by 2030 and the NWG is currently working towards that goal.
Where can we find you on Grounds?
In my office, or on Zoom, talking with people about nitrogen.
What tip do you have for people who want to take action?
For students—get involved early in sustainability activities of your choice. For staff and faculty—get out of the student’s way so they can be creative as they worked towards their goals.
What are some fun facts about you?
1. My wife Nancy and I were professional potters in Lexington VA from 1972 – 1974. We converted an old pool hall on Main Street into Shenandoah Crafts, a cooperative arts space.
2. My wife and I have been married for 55 years. Our two children and three grandchildren have done an excellent job raising us.
3. I like to serve insects to people. Personal favorites are the crunchy ones.
Most used emoji?
Anything insect-related
Proudest accomplishment personal or professional?
Together with Nancy, raising two loving children!
What’s your favorite place on Earth?
Woods Hole MA, where Nancy paints and I work at the Marine Biological Laboratory.
Meet Yatra Karki!
What is your role at UVA?
I have been the student co-chair for the UVA Clean Water Working Group since August 2023. I work alongside two fantastic faculty co-chairs, Brittany Olenslager and Dawson Garrod!
What is your hometown?
I was born in Nepal, but I grew up in Chantilly, VA
What are some things you are doing to support UVA’s 2030 Sustainability Plan?
With the UVA Clean Water group, I work to help improve the quality and reduce the volume of stormwater that leaves university property through education and volunteer engagement projects. I help members of the UVA and Charlottesville communities get involved by organizing local stream clean ups and promote awareness about stormwater issues through fun activities and social events.
Where can we find you on Grounds?
You’ll sometimes find me picking up trash in and around streams on Grounds to help reduce the amount of pollution that ends up in our local waterways (such as Meadow Creek, Moores Creek, and the Rivanna River), the James River, and ultimately in the Chesapeake Bay.
What tip do you have for people who want to take action?
One tip for those wanting to act is to start small and find events aligning with your interests and schedule. Whether it's a local stream cleanup, a community garden project, or an awareness event, every effort counts towards a more sustainable future. Also, don't hesitate to contact event organizers or local organizations for guidance on how to get involved. Your actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference!
What are some fun facts about you?
1. Once I start a show, I need to watch it all, regardless of whether I enjoy it or not. I've watched all NCIS, Law and Order: SVU, Psych, and Criminal Minds!
2. I enjoy making pottery, painting, making my own clothes, and knitting in my free time
3. I am trying to make a vegetarian version of a dish from every country in the world, currently on North Macedonia
What is your most used emoji?
🤠
Proudest accomplishment personal or professional?
Knitting my first scarf with my mom’s help when I was 8 years old!
What’s your favorite place on Earth?
On the mountains of Nepal (or the Appalachian Mountains)!
Meet Allie Berry!
What is your role at UVA?
I am the sustainability manager for UVA Dine and I manage the Green Dining student team! I started this role in August 2023.
What is your hometown?
I'm from Bainbridge Island, Washington – a ferry ride away from Seattle.
What are some things you are doing to support UVA’s 2030 Sustainability Plan?
Some of the major steps we are taking to meet UVA sustainability goals are to increase our sustainable and responsible purchasing, reduce food waste, and to promote climate-friendly menus. I find our initiatives to log and reduce excess food are most exciting – we conduct regular waste audits at retail locations, educate students on post-consumer waste and how they can have an impact, and work with clubs like Food Assist to find ways to donate excess product.
Where can we find you on Grounds?
You can often find me at Newcomb Hall harvesting herbs and greens from our Babylon hydroponic farm!
What tip do you have for people who want to take action?
Taking action can come in SO many forms! Get to know your community, tell folks about issues you are passionate about, and try to learn what messages resonate with the groups you are most interested in getting on board. Each step often feels small, but it adds up to a big impact.
What are some fun facts about you?
In my free time I love to experiment with homebrewing and fermenting foods – a corner of my kitchen is always filled with bubbling kimchi, mead, or pickled veg!
What is your proudest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
In 2022, I established "Maryland Health Professionals for Healthy Climate" while working with the Maryland Public Health Association. The goal of this group is to educate clinicians and health professionals on how a changing climate impacts the health and access to care services of their patients and helps to get them involved in state-level legislative advocacy. Grassroots organizing is such a fun and exciting challenge!
Most used emoji?
👀
Stay tuned for more "Faces of Sustainability" the people and stories behind UVA's ten bold sustainability goals.